Conspiracy Theory in America

摘要: Ever since the Warren Commission concluded that a lone gunman assassinated President John F. Kennedy, people who doubt finding have been widely dismissed as conspiracy theorists, despite credible evidence right-wing elements in CIA, FBI, and Secret Service - possibly even senior government officials were also involved. Why has suspicion of criminal wrongdoing at highest levels rejected out-of-hand paranoid thinking akin to superstition? Conspiracy Theory America investigates how Founders' hard-nosed realism about likelihood elite political misconduct articulated Declaration Independence replaced by today's blanket condemnation beliefs ludicrous definition. Lance deHaven-Smith reveals term "conspiracy theory" entered American lexicon speech deflect criticism traces it back CIA propaganda campaign discredit doubters commission's report. He asks tough questions connects dots among five decades' worth suspicious events, including assassinations Robert attempted George Wallace Ronald Reagan, crimes Watergate, Iran-Contra arms-for-hostages deal, disputed presidential elections 2000 2004, major defense failure 9/11, subsequent anthrax letter attacks. Sure spark intense debate truthfulness trustworthiness our government, offers powerful reminder suspicious, radically attitude toward is crucial maintaining democracy.